| FRONT LINE DEFENDERS (News date: Nov 26 2016) |
|
| NOMINATE HAZEL FOR THE COVENTRY MUSIC WALL OF FAME (News date: Oct 26 2011) |
|
| HAZEL ON OLD GREY WHISTLE TEST 40 -Wednesday 26th October 2011 at 22pm (News date: Oct 26 2011) |
|
| PROMOTIONAL VIDEO FOR THE NEW AUTUMN TOUR & NEW ALBUM (News date: Sept 13 2011) |
|
| NEW DOMAIN FOR HAZEL OFFICIAL WEBSITE (News date: Sept 13 2011) |
| New Hazel website domain address:
www.hazeloconnorofficial.com the old one "www.hazeloconnor.com" is not used anymore! |
| NEW TOUR FOR OCTOBER/NOVEMBER (News date: Sept 04 2011) |
| See the dates for the new Hazel O'Connor/Clare Hirst/Sarah Fisher tour in October & November 2011.
Check Live page for details |
| RELEASE OF NEW ALBUM IN OCT 2011 (News date: Sept 03 2011) |
| The new Hazel O'Connor album will be called "Give you my Sunshine"
after one of the tracks from the album. This new album has been made with Clare Hirst & Sarah Fisher.
You can pre-order it thru the shop section of the official Hazel website: www.hazeloconnorofficial.com/shop.html |
| MARTIN RUSHENT DIED ON JUNE 4 AGED 62 (News date: June 08 2011) |
| Martin Rushent was a very close friend of Hazel.
He produced Hazel's albums HIDDEN HEART in 2005 and SMILE in 1984.
Thank you for the music Mr Rushent. RIP. |
|
|
Read the following press release on: www.telegraph.co.uk 
|
| END OF THE BLONDES ON FIRE TOUR - BELGRADE THEATRE COVENTRY (News date: May 21 2011) |
|
 |
|
This was the last date of the "BLONDES ON FIRE TOUR" at the Belgrade Theatre in
Coventry.
It was a special night for the Blujas as Coventry is Hazel's home town. The Blujas brought everyone in the packed-out theatre to their feet. A great finale for yet another amazing tour. Next tour will be in October/November 2011 for the launch of the new Blujas's album. Watch this space! |
| FOR DUSTY... A TRIBUTE - LONDON ROYAL ALBERT HALL ON 5 MAY 2011 (News date: May 18 2011) |
|
|
Dusty Springfield, an English singer whose career extended from the late 1950s to the 1990s, remains the White Lady Of Soul. She is best known for her work during the 1960s, when she released singles such as I Only Want to Be with You, You Don't Have to Say You Love Me and Son of a Preacher Man, and her acclaimed album Dusty in Memphis.
With her distinctive sensual sound, she is an important soul singer, and at her peak was one of the most successful British female performers, with 18 singles in the Billboard Hot 100 from 1964 to 1970. Her image, supported by a peroxide blonde beehive hairstyle, evening gowns, and heavy make-up, made her an icon of the Swinging Sixties. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995, Springfield died on 2 March 1999. She is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the U.K. Music Hall of Fame. This event will celebrate her work with performances from a host of stars from past and present including: Mike Hurst and The Springfields Joanna Marie Lucie Silvas Kenny Lynch Mica Paris Julie Felix The Four Nurses Rick Astley Hazel O'Connor Shelby Lynne Carol Decker Boy George All artists will be backed by The Matthew Jones Orchestra and Choir and the evening will be hosted by Paul Gambaccini. |
| "BARDO" THE NEW ALBUM FROM HAZEL O'CONNOR AND THE BLUJA PROJECT (News date: Apr 2 2011) |
|
"...Bluja have recorded a new album called "BARDO" and we have quite a few new songs
written by us three gals. Two of the songs we’re doing on this current concert tour
are "Cinderella Moment" and "I Would Rather (Wonder Woman)" which seem to be going down
very well and, of course, all the usual suspects like "Will You", "Eighth Day",
"Writing On The Wall", "If Only" from Breaking Glass are always played...
If you would like to pre-order "BARDO" prior to the album being finished and pressed, please send an email to hazeloconnor@ireland.com and we will send you details of how to do it. Please put Bardo in the subject of the email..." Source: Hazel's newsletter of 31 March 2011. Bardo definition: –noun, plural bar·dos. (often initial capital letter) In Tibetan Buddhism, the state between death and rebirth which varies between 7-49 days depending on the person's conduct in the previous life and their age at and manner of death Etymology: Tibetan 'between the two, inbetween state' |
| HAZEL O'CONNOR JOINED MOYA BRENNAN ON STAGE IN IRELAND (News date: Mar 12 2011) |
celticmusicfan.wordpress.com |
www.clannad.nl |
| HAZEL O'CONNOR AND THE BLUJA PROJECT (News date: Mar 10 2011) |
|
NEW ALBUM RECORDING!
Hazel, Clare and Sarah are finishing the recording of their second album including new songs as "Cinderella moment", "Wonder woman", "Give you my sunshine", also a swing version of "D-Days", new cover versions of Nina Simone "Do what you gotta do", "Feeling good" and a amazing cover of Al Green Classic "Take Me to the River". Some of the new songs will be performed live during the Blondes On Fire Tour 2011. This second album will be on sale at the gigs very soon! |
| MESSAGE FROM HAZEL (News date: Feb 16 2011) |
|
JOYCE
Sadly my Mum, Joyce O’Connor slipped away in Myton Hospice 6.30 pm February 15 2011 – thank goodness she was in Myton and thank goodness for the hospice system. She was so thrilled about the Re-Joyce single and all the attention it got. To all the people who were in the fan club – I know you will feel the loss keenly as she was your agony aunt in your troubled years as she was mine – a formidable woman. This message is from Hazel's Official Website: www.hazeloconnor.com |
| HAZEL ON IRISH TV RTE 1 IN "HOT PRESS: THE WRITE STUFF"
ON FEBRUARY 1ST AT 22.15 (News date: Jan 31 2011) |
| Hazel will be appearing on Irish TV RTE 1 in "Hot Press: The Write Stuff" on Tuesday February 1st at 22.15 (10.15pm GMT), don't miss it! |
|
RTE 1 link: 
|
| PA AT COVENTRY MARKET ON THE 11TH DECEMBER 2010
(News date: Dec 11 2010) |
| Hazel did a PA in Coventry and signed "Re-Joyce" singles at Midnight Records. Hazel, Jimmy, Steve, Mark, Tony, Roger sang "Re-Joyce" at Coventry Market on 11th Dec 2010. |
|
Watch the video on YouTube: 
www.youtube.com Here are some pix: 
|
| HAZEL WAS ON TG4 TELEVISION ON THE 9TH DECEMBER 2010 WITH CORMAC DE BARRA
(News date: Dec 09 2010) |
|
|
Watch here: http://live.tg4.ie |
| HAZEL ON PENWITHRADIO ON FRIDAY 3RD DECEMBER WITH LEWIS NICHOLLS
(News date: Dec 01 2010) |
|
|
Click link: www.penwithradio.co.uk then click listen live on Friday at 12pm. Lewis Nicholls facebook page |
| HAZEL INTERVIEW ON BBC THREE COUNTIES SCHOOL'S OUT WITH JUSTIN DEALEY
(News date: Nov 22 2010) |
|
Hazel gave to Justin Dealey a lovely interview on Sunday 21 November 2010 about her career and tour. Its 35 mins into the BBC iPlayer. Have a listen, only available until 3:02pm Sun, 28 Nov 2010: BBC iPlayer - School's Out with Justin Dealey: 21/11/2010 |
|
|
www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties School's Out with Justin Dealey The forgotten tracks from the 60s and 70s and your requests. Broadcast on : BBC Three Counties, 12:00pm Sun, 21 Nov 2010 Available until 3:02pm Sun, 28 Nov 2010 Categories: Entertainment, Review Shows Duration :180 minutes |
| 3 DAYS TIL THE HAZEL O'CONNOR COLLECTIVE LAUNCH PARTY !
(News date: Nov 13 2010) |
|
The launch party will take place at The Assembly in Leamington Spa on the 16th November 2010. Performing on the launch night and all singing some of their most well known hits are: HAZEL O'CONNOR, TOYAH, CAROL DECKER, PAULINE BLACK, MOYA BRENNAN, RANKING ROGER, NEVILLE STAPLE, VINCE HILL, all backed by THE SUBTERRANEANS, additional musicians for the evening are CLARE HIRST ( BELLE STARS), SARAH FISHER(EURYTHMICS), ROB ARNALL, and many more to be updated. The compere for the evening is BOB BROLLY MBE. See the Re-Joyce page |
| NEW ALBUM: "BREAKING GLASS NOW" RELEASED 25TH NOV 2010 !
(News date: Nov 11 2010) |
|
To celebrate the BREAKING GLASS 30th Anniversary, new album "BREAKING GLASS NOW" released 25th November 2010 at the ROBIN 2 in BILSTON. This new album will include the Subterraneans bonus track called "(WORLD STOPS) Spinning Without You" featuring Hazel. See the Hazel & The Subterraneans page |
| LEICESTER SQUARE THEATRE LONDON 5TH DECEMBER IS SOLD OUT
(News date: Oct 22 2010) |
|
Leicester Square Theatre London 5th of December is SOLD OUT new date added due to popular demand on Friday 25th February 2011. See Tour Dates page |
| HAZEL O'CONNOR MYTON HOSPICE CHARITY NIGHT, TICKETS ON
SALE NOW !
(News date: Oct 18 2010) |
|
HAZEL O'CONNOR MYTON HOSPICE CHARITY NIGHT ! TUESDAY 16th NOVEMBER doors OPEN 7pm @ LEAMINGTON ASSEMBLY, LEAMINGTON SPA, UK THE HAZEL O'CONNOR COLLECTIVE Performances by - HAZEL O'CONNOR - TOYAH WILCOX - CAROL DECKER (T'PAU) - PAULINE BLACK (SELECTER) - RANKING ROGER (THE BEAT) - VINCE HILL - NEVILLE STAPLE (THE SPECIALS) - MOYA BRENNAN (CLANNAD) - THE SUBTERRANEANS - THE BLUJA PROJECT TICKETS FOR THIS FANTASTIC CAUSE AND EVENT ARE £15 + booking fee NOW ON SALE AT THIS LINK: www.thesubs.co.uk |
| HAZEL O'CONNOR'S CHRISTMAS SINGLE RELEASE DATE CONFIRMED AS DECEMBER 6 (News date: Oct 17 2010) |
|
Hazel has been working flat out on putting the final touches to 'Re-Joyce', the single in aid of Myton Hospice. The release date has now been confirmed as the 6th of December. The track features: * Hazel O'Connor * Toyah * Carol Decker * Pauline Black * Moya Brennan * Vince Hill * Ranking Roger * Kid Creole * Neville Staple * Neil O'Connor * Bob Brolly MBE, * Cormac De Barra * Clare Hirst * Sarah Fisher * The Subterraneans how's that for an amazing line-up? She's also been doing interviews for the 'Breaking Glass Live' tour, as well as putting the final touches to the 'Breaking Glass Now' album. Follow her on Twitter and keep your eye on the Facebook page and at www.hazeloconnor.com for all the latest news. |
| LAUNCH OF HAZEL O'CONNOR'S CHRISTMAS SINGLE FOR
MYTON HOSPICE ON NOVEMBER 16 (News date: Oct 08 2010) |
|
ANNE CARLINI - MONTHLY HOT PICKS!
www.annecarlini.com/ex_monthly_picks.php
|
ABOUT THE VENUE:
|
| OLIVIER CACHIN AND SANDRINE VENDEL GIVE PARIS GIGS
A PLUG ON THEIR RADIO PROGRAM: LA COLLECTION PRIVEE DU MOUV (News date: Sep 28 2010) |
|
This morning Olivier Cachin and Sandrine Vendel opened their Radio program
LA COLLECTION PRIVEE DU MOUV with an announce for the Paris gigs taking place
next saturday 25th and sunday 26th September 2010 at the Theatre de Nesle 75006 Paris.
They broadcast cult Rock, Rap, Funk and Pop hits from the sixties right through to the present day.
Le Mouv is a national radio broadcast of Radio France. Listen to the extract here: |
|
|
Listen to the full program on Le mouv website with the link below. Once on the page, click on the arrow  and then choose La Collection Privée from the list of programs:
|
La Collection Privée's page Paris Frequency: 92.1 FM |
| LITTLE POSTCARD FROM HAZEL AFTER A SMALL WEEKEND IN PARIS (News date: Sep 08 2010) |
|
Here's a little postcard from Hazel after a small weekend in Paris in preparation for her
Bluja gigs at the end of the month...
« Hello everyone, Having a great time in Paris. We went for a wander up to Sacré-Coeur and around Montmartre. We then headed down to Pigalle to look at the place where I spent my first lonely month in Paris, I was nineteen rehearsing for the cabaret show I was in that was going to Japan. In those days, as now, Pigalle is quite a racy area. I remember being in the pharmacy next to my hotel when an american tourist came in nursing a headwound inflicted by the heel of a stiletto shoe that belonged to a lady of the night. All he kept saying was "what will my wife say?"... ! We also went to Saint-Germain-des-Prés to check out the Théatre de Nesle where myself and the Bluja Project make a return visit for 2 concerts on the 25th and 26th of September... I am really looking forward to that and meeting my french friends old and new. Here is a silly snapshot that we took today. Luv Hazel» 27 August 2010 Translation in French: Voici une petite carte postale de Hazel après un rapide week-end à Paris pour la préparation de ses concerts The Bluja Project à la fin du mois... « Salut tout le monde, Je passe un bon moment à Paris. On s'est baladé au Sacré-Coeur et dans le quartier de Montmartre. Puis ensuite vers Pigalle pour retrouver l'endroit où j'ai passé mon premier mois à Paris seule, j'avais 19 ans et je répétais le spectacle de cabaret dans lequel je jouais et qui partait ensuite en tournée au Japon. A cette époque, comme maintenant, Pigalle était un quartier assez chaud. Je me rappelle, j'étais dans la pharmacie à côté de mon hôtel quand un touriste Américain a débarqué avec une blessure à la tête provoquée par un talon aiguille appartenant à une dame de la nuit. Il répétait sans cesse "mais que va dire ma femme?"... ! On est également allé à Saint-Germain-des-Prés pour jeter un coup d'oeil au Théâtre de Nesle dans lequel je reviens avec les Blujas pour deux dates les 25 et 26 septembre... Je suis impatiente d'y être mais également de rencontrer mes amis Français anciens et nouveaux. Voici un cliché loufoque que l'on a fait aujourd'hui. Bises Hazel» 27 août 2010 |
|
|
| THE BLUJA PROJECT AVAILABLE ON DOWNLOAD (News date: Aug 30 2010) |
|
Hazel O'Connor and The Bluja Project disc is now available on download at the following links:
co.uk.7digital.com itunes.apple.com http://www.store.limewire.com www.amazon.co.uk www.hmvdigital.ca Awesome disc! Sax, keyboards and vocals - sublime. Three voices which harmonize like three humming birds in synchronised flight. Powerful and delicate. As to Hazel, a voice, a presence, a rich and beautiful soul. |
|
|
| HAZEL'S SPECIAL CHRISTMAS RECORDING (News date: Aug 25 2010 ) |
|
Hazel announced in her blog (see Links page):
"I'm getting busy with Mark and Kev from the Subs on a song I wrote for Mum and my Step Dad Geoff last Christmas. I didn't expect them to be alive by Christmas 2009 - we spent Christmas day in Myton Hospice where Mum was being cared for, for two weeks' respite which helped her turn around healthwise and gave us this precious extra time together. I am very grateful to all the hospice staff and volunteers. So now we are recording the song called Re-Joyce (In The Bleak Mid-Winter) and I'm plucking up courage to ask various singers, musicians and actors to sing or perform on it. So far Cormac De Barra has put his harp on and yesterday we put on the beautiful voice of Clannad's Moya Brennan. Last week Pauline Black of Selecter said she would sing on it; actress Juiie Graham said she'd love to sing on it ages ago when I played her the demo. I'm plucking up courage to phone Ranking Roger, and some of the Specials and we'll see how it goes. But please support it when we release it on download mid October. All income will go directly to Myton Hospice. More about this later in my next newsletter." The Subterraneans added: "Another day recording the xmas single yesterday with Neville Staples (Specials) and Ranking Roger (The Beat), artists now on the single are: Hazel O'Connor Toyah Wilcox Moya Brennan (Clannad) Carol Decker (T'Pau) Pauline Black (Selecter) Neville Staples (The Specials) Ranking Roger (The Beat) Vince Hill And of course The Subterraneans All produced by Grammy award winner Roger Lomas, more guest artists to come, watch this space. Thanks to Pete and Julie Chambers for pics and filming..." Neil O'Connor in Montreal posted this message: "Audio and Video files sent for Hazel's Christmas charity song, can't wait to see the result with everyone's contributions :)" Neil recently recorded his version of Hazel's classic song "Will you". Recorded and filmed in his Montreal apartment in August 2010, watch the video: Youtube Link Photos: Pete and Julie Chambers: 
Vince Hill, Pete Chambers, Kev Lomas, Pauline Black, Rogers Lomas, Toyah Wilcox, Mark Roberts, Hazel O'Connor 
Pete Chambers, Kev Lomas, Mark Roberts, Neville Staple, Hazel O'Connor, Rogers Lomas, Ranking Roger 
Mark Roberts, Pauline Black, Carol Decker, Rogers Lomas, Hazel O'Connor, Kev Lomas, Pete Chambers More pics on Pete Chambers' facebook page. |
| THE BLUJA PROJECT HAS OWN WEBSITE (News date: Aug 14 2010) |
|
A new official website for the Bluja Project is now online at the following address:
www.blujaproject.com
|
| AUDIENCE COMMENTS ABOUT THE PARIS GIG ON THE 2ND OF MAY (News date: May 25 2010) |
|
Following the huge success of the Paris concert on the 2nd of May, HAZEL AND THE BLUJA PROJECT
will be back in Paris at the Théatre de Nesle for 2 dates in September, Saturday 25th at 18h00 and Sunday 26th at 19h30.
We received many comments from the audience about this concert, here they are in French and translated in English: "Un très beau concert chargé d'émotions et d'énergies. Un trio de musiciennes hors paires complices et expertes! Trois voix qui se complètent et s'harmonisent." "A very beautiful concert charged with energy and emotion. A trio of excellent musicians and a collaboration of true professionals. Three voices that complement each other and harmonize." "Les personnalités complètement différentes des trois Blujas se complètent à merveille. Une vraie complicité est établie sur scène." "The three completely different personalities of the Blujas complement each other wonderfully. A true complicity is established on stage." "Trois voix qui s'harmonisent comme trois colibris en vol synchronisé. Puissant et délicat." "Three voices which harmonize like three humming birds in synchronised flight. Powerful and delicate." "Trio sax, claviers, voix, inédit pour moi mais d'une justesse absolue. Quant à Hazel, une voix, une présence, une âme riche et belle." "Trio sax, keyboards and vocals, totally new for me, but absolutely perfect. As to Hazel, a voice, a presence, a rich and beautiful soul." "Hazel livre ses chansons avec beaucoup de sensibilité et d'émotion. Elle mérite beaucoup de succès en France." "Hazel delivers her songs with much sensitivity and emotion. She deserves to have lots of success in France." "Une superbe voix et une technique vocale parfaite. Certaines chansons m'ont donnée la chair de poule et les larmes aux yeux." "A superb voice and perfect vocal technique. Some of the songs gave me goose bumps and brought tears to my eyes." "Quelle énergie et quel personnage généreux. Très émouvante, un personnage avec un grand coeur." "Such energy and what a generous personality. Very moving, an artiste with a big heart." "Je ne me suis pas senti juste comme un spectateur mais comme un participant. J'ai eu l'impression de partager quelque chose très intime dans la vie de Hazel." "I didn't feel I was just a spectator, I felt more like a participant. I had the impression I was sharing something very intimate in Hazels life." "Je pensais que je connaissais tout sur Hazel mais j'avais tort. Il faut la voir sur scène. C'est là qu'on comprends..." "I thought I knew Hazel but I was wrong. One has to see her on stage. It is then that one understands..."
Thank You to all of you for these great comments and for supporting Hazel, Clare and Sarah.
|
| HAZEL AND THE SUBS will be opening this years Godiva Festival (News date: May 13 2010) |
|
This festival is special to Hazel and The Subs as it is in their home town and in
this special 30th anniversary of Hazels career a very apt place for Hazel to come back to.
Hazel and the subs on stage at 6.30pm friday july 2nd 2010 memomorial park, Coventry. Check current 2010 full list concerts: Tour Dates |
| NEW UK and IE TOUR DATES ADDED (News date: May 7 2010) |
| 2010 new dates - Special 30th anniversary of Hazels career:
♦ 10th June: BRENNAN'S LANE, Ballina, Mayo county - IE ♦ 15th August: FORT PERCH ROCK Marine Promenade, New Brighton - UK ♦ 17th November: ARC Stockton Arts Centre, Stockton on Tees - UK ♦ 19th November: THE 12 BAR, Swindon - UK ♦ 23rd November: THE HORN, St Albans - UK ♦ 24th November: BRISTOL BIERKELLER, Bristol - UK ♦ 25th November: THE ROBIN 2, Bilston - UK ♦ 26th November: KIDLINGTON FOOTBALL CLUB (KRTSC), Kidlington - UK ♦ 27th November: ROPETACKLE Arts Centre, Shoreham-By-Sea - UK Check full list: Tour Dates |
| HAZEL AND THE BLUJA PROJECT PARIS CONCERT (News date: May 3 2010) |
The Paris concert on the 2nd May has been a big success,
everybody enjoyed it, look at the wonderfull Robert Gil photographer pictures on his website:
www.photosconcerts.com
|
| HAZEL AND THE SUBTERRANEANS AT THE ASSEMBLY (News date: Apr 11 2010) |
| Videos recorded by a fan from the public at The Assembly in
Leamington Spa the 25th March 2010, celebrating Breaking Glass movie 30th Anniversary.
YouTube Link "Will You" 
YouTube Link "Come Into the Air" 
|
| HAZEL ON MORE THAN TWO TONES VIDEOS (News date: Apr 8 2010) |
| Popular music in Coventry from the 1950s to the present.
This exciting exhibition celebrated Coventry's rich musical heritage, from Frank Ifield to the Enemy. It brought together for the first time a fantastic selection of music memorabilia which highlighted the vibrancy and creativity of Coventry music. For many people the pinnacle of the city's musical success came with Two Tone, when the Specials and the Selecter created a distinctive sound which reached an international audience. Yet, Coventry has produced many other talented and successful artists, from the Zodiacs, Frank Ifield and Vince Hill, through the Sorrows, the Mighty Avengers and Lieutenant Pigeon, to Hazel O' Connor, King and current chart successes, the Enemy. This exhibition highlighted their achievements... Herbert Art Gallery & Museum 
|
Click the following link to see video: More Than 2 Tones - Making it big! YouTube Herbert Art Gallery & Museum Chanel |
Click the following link to see video: "More Than 2 Tones - Politics and Society" YouTube Herbert Art Gallery & Museum Chanel |
Click the following link to see video: "More Than 2 Tones - Writing and Recording" YouTube Herbert Art Gallery & Museum Chanel |
| "(WORLD STOPS) SPINNING WITHOUT YOU" (News date: Mar 20 2010) |
| Hazel is featured on a Subterraneans' track called "(WORLD STOPS) Spinning Without You", it can be downloaded from the following link: 7digital Indiestore The Subterraneans |
|
| HAZEL ON CENTRAL TELEVISION (News date: Mar 19 2010) |
| Hazel ITV Central Tonight on 19th March 2010. Only available for UK viewers. Watch here: ITV Central Tonight
|
|
| START OF THE 2010 TOUR ! (News date: Mar 18 2010) |
| Today 18th March 2010 starts the Hazel's new tour. First date in Brighton at the KOMEDIA with The BluJa Project. We wish Hazel, Clare and Sarah "Bonne Chance". |
| HAZEL LIVE ON BBC ONE BREAKFAST SHOW (News date: Mar 10 2010) |
| Hazel was on the BBC One Breakfast Show
on Wednesday 10th March where she spoke about the current tour 2010 with the Bluja Project and The Subterraneans.
To watch click here: YouTube link
|
|
| NEW TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED FOR 2010 (News date: Nov 24 2009) |
| Immediately after finishing her current Beyond The Breaking Glass tour with Cormac De Barra, Hazel announces a new tour with The Subterraneans which will kick off at the Leamington Assembly on Thursday 25th March and a Bluja Project tour throughout March/April 2010. |
|
MORE THAN TWO TONES EXHIBITIONS, SAT 3 OCTOBER - SUN 3 JANUARY 2010 (News date: Sep 29 2009) |
|
|
|
EIGHTIES Coventry pop star Hazel O'Connor welcomed a new focus on Coventry's musical history - and says the city has more to offer than just Two Tone.
The singer was given a sneak preview of a new exhibition More Than Two Tone which opens to the public at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in the city centre on Saturday. The 55-year-old singer and actress returned to her home city for a look at the exhibition which features, among a host of memorabilia, a life size cut-out of herself. It celebrates everyone from Sixties balladeer Frank Ifield to current indie rock favourites The Enemy. Hazel who had hit singles with Eighth Day and Will You in 1980 and 1981 and starred in the film Breaking Glass said: "It's wonderful. It's so nice to be part of something that is bringing everybody together and music is one of those things that does that. "It is about honouring the musicians of Coventry and to remind people that there is much more to Coventry than just 2-Tone." The 30th anniversary of the 2-Tone label this year has seen a host of activities marking the days when The Specials and The Selecter were at the peak of their careers. But the idea of this exhibition is to celebrate other acts and bands who have put Coventry on the map. As Hazel looked through the artefacts from artists such as Frank Ifield, Vince Hill, King, the Zodiacs, Lieutenant Pigeon, The Mighty Avengers, and Panjabi MC, she said it brought back memories of what the music scene was like in her heydey. "I remember there was a racist attack in Coventry in the early 80s and the person died. After that I was asked by The Specials to do a special concert with them at the Belgrade. "It was all about showing a bit of solidarity against racism, which was quite rife in Coventry at the time, and it was good to do something like that. "I feel honoured that we are all here together again now in one room." Hazel's autobiographical show, Beyond Breaking Glass, opens at the Belgrade Theatre in October before going on a national tour. "This year is the 10th anniversary of the show and then after that I think it will be 'bye bye' for it," she added. "But you never know. I've said it before and I always think people must have seen the show by now, but of course there are loads that haven't. "I have got quite a few interesting fans now, too. A lot of parents have brought their children up listening to my music, so there are a lot of 19 to 25-year-olds now that come to the show and think it is fantastic." More Than Two Tone is the first time an exhibition of its kind has opened in the city and features instruments, clothing, handwritten song lyrics and posters, which have been donated by the artists. People will also have a chance to watch film footage of artist interviews and listen to some of the songs. Martin Roberts, senior curator at the Herbert, said: "An exhibition celebrating the music of Coventry is long overdue. Artists from the city have had an amazing impact around the world and it's astounding to see the successes and achievements that these artists have had." The exhibition is free and runs until January 3.
|
|
BEYOND BREAKING GLASS 30TH ANNIVERSARY (News date: Sep 13 2009) |
| Fresh from recent Glastonbury and Edinburgh Festival appearances, and performing to 70,000 at arena shows from Newcastle to Wembley, Hazel O'Connor marks the 30th anniversary of the ground-breaking film Breaking Glass with this acclaimed autobiographical show. |
|
HAZEL O'CONNOR COVENTRY'S WALK OF FAME 16TH MAY 2009 (News date: May 16 2009) |
|
Related Video Click image above YouTube Link |
| By Kevin Cryan: A little while ago I mentioned that three people I greatly admired were to be honoured by the City of Coventry by having their names added to the city's walk of fame. One was my good friend Hazel O'Connor. On Saturday the 16th, Hazel was in the city just long enough to see her star unveiled in Walk of Fame. Hazel, who was also celebrating her 54th birthday on Saturday, said: "I ran away from Coventry when I was 16, not because it was Coventry, but because I was a wild, crazy, hippy chick! I've travelled the world but always come back to Coventry because it's my roots and the people have such good spirit." 
|
|
Visit the Coventry's Walk of Fame website:
|
